Camping – You Might Need A Checklist

As a family we really enjoy a good camp out.  We are blessed to be surrounded by beautiful forests and well maintained campgrounds throughout.  The fees are very affordable averaging $9 to $16 per night depending on the amenities.  Compared to the cheapest hotel rates, camping wins hands down on the affordability factor. 

I realize camping isn’t for everyone and there are different degrees of camping.  Some like to lay out in a sleeping bag under the stars – not me.  Others like to pitch a tent – been there; done that.  Then there are the RV campers.  Tent trailers to big huge motor coaches.  You all know where I fit in.  Barely above a tent trailer. 

Whichever you prefer, there are certain things you will need to be comfortable and well prepared.  And nothing is better to have than a checklist: 

Shelter & Sleeping

·         RV or Tent

·         Tarp & Rope (in case it rains or snows)

·         Pop–Up Screened Gazebo – very nice but optional

·         Sleeping Bags & a Blanket - for each person

·         Air Mattresses or Foam Pads – for tent camping, helps keep the ground chill at bay and adds a little comfort

·         Pillows 

Cooking & Eating

·         Coolers & Ice (I like to freeze milk jugs filled ¾ with water)

·         Water Jugs (I have a 6 gallon container and several milk jugs filled that I take with me)

·         Camp Stove & Fuel

·         BBQ Grill

·         Charcoal & Lighter or Propane – depending on type of BBQ you have

·         Matches (store in a coffee can with a lid to keep moisture away)

·         Plate, Bowl, Cup & Utensils - for each person

·         Frying Pan

·         Large Pot

·         Small Pot

·         Coffee Pot and/or Kettle

·         Metal Spatula

·         Dishpan

·         Dish Soap

·         Dish Towels, Cloths & Scrub Pad

·         Dish Drainer - optional

·         Aluminum Foil

·         Mixing Bowl

·         Measuring Spoons & Cups

·         Wooden Spoon

·         Knife – for chopping & cutting

·         Cutting Board

·         Can Opener & Bottle Opener/Corkscrew

·         Pot Holders and/or Oven Mitt

·         Cooking Oil

·         Salt & Pepper

·         Spices

·         Jam or Jelly

·         Peanut Butter (I always take this)

·         Butter or Margarine

·         Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Mix

·         Food & Beverages – plan enough meals for you trip plus one extra day, just in case.

·         Marshmallows, Graham Crackers & Chocolate – of course!

·         Roasting Sticks – or you can cut your own in camp 

Personal Items

·         Cool Weather Clothing – a set for each day

·         Warm Weather Clothing – a set for each day

·         Socks & Underwear – a set for each day plus one extra, just in case

·         Winter Pajamas & Warm Socks

·         Sweater, Hoodie or Light Jacket

·         Winter Coat, Hat & Gloves

·         Swimsuit

·         Shoes – appropriate for conditions

·         Boots – for hiking and/or snow

·         Toiletries – lip balm, toothbrush & paste, comb & brush, mirror, soap & shampoo, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen

·         Insect Repellent

·         First Aid Kit – I keep one in each vehicle and one in my RV

·         Sunglasses & Eyeglasses

·         Medication – pain reliever, cold/allergy medication, cough drops, prescription meds

·         Liquid Hand Soap & Hand Sanitizer

·         Towels & Wash Cloths

·         Water Bottle

·         Pocket Knife

Other Things To Have Around Camp

·         Lawn Chairs & Folding Table

·         Lantern & Fuel or Batteries

·         Flashlights & Extra Batteries – one for each person

·         Citronella Torch or Candles

·         Board Games & Playing Cards

·         Toys – for kids & adults alike

·         Camera

·         Clothesline & Clothes Pins

·         Fishing/Hunting Gear & Your License – if you plan on doing so

·         Bikes & Helmets

·         Tools & Duct Tape

·         5 Gallon Bucket & Shovel

·         Axe or Saw

·         Firewood – it isn’t always available in camp

·         Daypacks

·         Personal Protection – I won’t even elaborate on this because each person views this one differently. 

I love to have items on hand that can perform double duty.  Large plastic storage totes are a great place to organize and store your camping equipment.  An empty tote can also double as a bathtub when needed.  A large pot can not only be used to cook your food but heat your wash water too.  Frozen jugs of water start out as ice in the cooler and become drinking water when they thaw. 

This is a basic list to get you started.  I’m sure there are plenty of items you will add to this list to personalize it for your family.  If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them - I am by no means an expert. 

Is there something you always take with you?